The Okun Development Association (ODA), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Okun-Yoruba people in Kogi State, Nigeria, has taken decisive action to address the escalating security challenges plaguing their homeland. A recent security summit, themed “Unlocking Okunland’s Full Potential Through Strategic Partnerships,” brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, security experts, and community representatives, to formulate a comprehensive security plan. The summit’s primary outcome is the establishment of a well-funded grassroots community policing structure designed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities that have disrupted the peace and prosperity of Okunland.
The newly established community policing structure will be bolstered by technological advancements in security operations, ensuring efficient and effective responses to threats. Financial support from affluent Okun indigenes will be crucial for equipping and sustaining the initiative. Furthermore, a thorough profiling of settlers within Okun communities will be undertaken to identify and prevent potential infiltration by criminal elements. This proactive measure aims to enhance security intelligence and preempt criminal activities before they escalate.
The summit also resolved to implement a multifaceted approach to security that encompasses various critical aspects. Community engagement will be prioritized to foster trust and collaboration between security agencies and local residents. Economic empowerment programs will be implemented to address the root causes of crime by providing opportunities for youth and reducing their vulnerability to criminal influences. A dedicated Security Trust Fund will be established to finance these initiatives and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Regular security audits will be conducted across all Okun communities to identify vulnerabilities and implement appropriate countermeasures. Existing vigilante groups will receive support and training to enhance their capacity to contribute effectively to community security. Furthermore, victims of security breaches will receive assistance and support to cope with the aftermath of these traumatic experiences. Traditional rulers will be empowered to play a more active role in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
The importance of information sharing between the community and security operatives was underscored during the summit. Participants stressed the need for credible and timely information sharing to aid in prompt responses to security threats. Furthermore, the summit cautioned against the indiscriminate use of social media regarding security matters, emphasizing discretion to avoid spreading misinformation and potentially exacerbating the situation. The summit also highlighted the critical role of job creation, economic empowerment, and social interventions in reducing criminal activities and mitigating the vulnerability of youth to criminal influences.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed his full support for the security measures proposed by the ODA, recognizing grassroots community policing as a vital strategy for tackling insecurity. He assured the community that his administration is committed to working diligently in that regard. Guest speaker CC Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) in Ondo State, emphasized the need for inter-state legislative cooperation to facilitate effective synergy in community policing among neighboring states. HRM Oba Williams Ayeni, the Olujumu of Ijumu and Chairman of the Ijumu Traditional Council, voiced concerns about persistent attacks by non-indigenous criminal elements, highlighting the apparent agenda to seize Okun land and subjugate its people. He called for a united front to resist these threats and protect the ancestral heritage of the Okun people. The communique detailing the summit’s resolutions was signed by prominent members of the ODA, signaling their commitment to implementing these measures and restoring peace and security to Okunland.
